Researchers found that fast-food customers prioritize quickness, accessibility, and taste, but 21% also cite nutritious options. Studies suggest gradual changes in food choices can improve diet quality and meet dietary guidelines.
Archaeologists discovered starch grains on ancient human teeth in Peru, revealing the earliest consumption of beans and pacay. The findings suggest that New World people were committed farmers earlier than thought, dating back over 2,000 years.
A study published in Clinical Immunology describes a new method to induce regulatory T cells, which show great potential for treating autoimmune diseases and improving transplant outcomes. The method uses an inexpensive and simple high-yield approach to generate large amounts of these immune suppressive cells.
A global recession could lead to increased malnutrition in developing countries, with prices of basic staples rising by 13-27 percent by 2020. IFPRI projects 16 million more undernourished children if economic growth and agricultural investment decline.
Researchers identified a faulty brain circuit and developed an experimental agent that improves working memory and EEG signals in people with schizophrenia. The study found the drug MK-0777 to be well-tolerated, but further trials are needed to verify its value.
Coronary CTA accurately evaluates patients with calcified coronary artery plaques, detecting stenosis with 72% accuracy rate. Non-invasive and cost-effective, CTA provides a comprehensive view of arteries from multiple angles.
Researchers found a retrovirus in the DNA of a gray mouse lemur, suggesting lentiviruses may have coevolved with primates for millions of years. This discovery could lead to new insights into why non-human primates don't get AIDS and potential treatments for humans.
Research articles explore impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on aquatic vertebrates and humans. Studies reveal mechanisms behind reproductive abnormalities and ecological risks associated with environmental contaminants.
Severe Alzheimer disease requires frequent monitoring by healthcare professionals to enhance quality of life. An evidence-based approach is included in the Canadian Medical Association Journal's dementia series, providing recommendations for patient care.
A new study published in the FASEB Journal suggests that the quality of HDL cholesterol, not just its type, matters for good health. Researchers found that high levels of poor-quality 'good' HDL can increase heart disease risk.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered how ovarian tumors use fatty substances to suppress the body's immune response, leaving disease unchecked. The team found that fluid secretions from tumors can block activation of natural killer T cells, which are crucial for fighting cancer.
Researchers at Rutgers University–Camden have identified a complex coding language that allows cells to organize and communicate, enabling the formation of intricate patterns in fruit fly eggs. This breakthrough understanding of genetic patterning has implications for our knowledge of developmental biology and diseases like cancer.
A new study by University of Utah psychologists found that drivers are more distracted by talking on a cellular phone than by conversing with a passenger in an automobile. When drivers talk on a cell phone, they drift out of their lanes and missed exits more frequently than drivers conversing with a passenger.
A study found that pseudoephedrine use is prevalent among US children, especially those under two years old, with 4.9% of all children taking it weekly and 8.1% of those under two taking it in a given week. The study also identified patterns of use, including taking multiple products at once and using it for long periods.
Marine biologists propose that animals learn the unique magnetic signature of their home area early in life and retain it to navigate back to their birthplace for reproduction. The theory suggests that magnetic imprinting helps animals distinguish their home location from others, allowing them to return years later.
Researchers developed a new technique called Topical Endoscopic Fundal Imaging (TEFI) to monitor ocular inflammation in mice. The study found that TEFI enhances the monitoring of clinical disease, allowing for rapid and non-invasive observation of changes in the retina.
Dutch biologist Suzanne van Helden discovered that immune cells lose their adhesive feet before migrating to lymph nodes, allowing them to move faster. This process enables mature dendritic cells to quickly activate T cells and tackle infections.
A nationwide study has confirmed the effectiveness of positron emission tomography (PET) in monitoring tumor activity and changing treatment plans for more than one out of three cancer patients. PET was found to be clinically significant, resulting in a change in treatment in 36% of cases.
A five-year study found that older adults with symptoms of depression are more likely to gain abdominal fat, but not overall fat. Depression is associated with an increase in visceral fat, which may contribute to the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A recent study published in Cancer Research found that Latina women with higher European ancestry are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer. The risk increases by 79% for every 25% increase in European ancestry, regardless of other factors.
A recent study published in Archives of General Psychiatry finds that nearly half of college-aged individuals meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder, including substance abuse and personality disorders, but only one-fourth seek treatment. The study highlights the need for increased detection and treatment of mental health conditions ...
Scientists at A*STAR have found imidazolium salts with powerful antioxidant properties that could fight diseases. They also efficiently convert carbohydrates into versatile chemical compounds for biofuel production.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that homeless people in Western countries experience substantially higher rates of mental health problems compared to the general population. The prevalence of serious mental disorders was found to be raised, with notable increases in alcohol and drug abuse, as well as psychosis.
Researchers have identified genetic clues to Pseudomonas aeruginosa's success that will aid in the design of novel therapeutic strategies for cystic fibrosis patients. The study found that prophage genes contribute to the strain's ability to adapt to specific environments.
A new study predicts a severe shortage of general surgeons in US hospitals by 2010, with the number of available surgeons failing to keep pace with public demand. The shortage is expected to worsen over time, leading to longer wait times for emergency treatment and elective surgeries.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered how mosquitoes control the pathogenicity of viruses, using short-interfering RNAs to modulate disease. By altering the virus genome, the team found a way to upset the balance, potentially targeting mosquito-borne diseases.
A large study found that cardiac CT scans can effectively assess coronary artery stenosis with a high sensitivity rate of 98% and specificity of 91%. This non-invasive technique may avoid the need for invasive catheter angiography in patients with intermediate clinical probability of coronary artery disease.
Researchers used Palm Pilots as electronic diaries to analyze mood variability in BPD patients, finding significant instability in positive and negative moods. The devices helped bridge the communication gap between therapists and patients.
Researchers found that immune responses to a partial dose of a meningitis vaccine were comparable to a full dose, making fractional dosing an alternative in mass vaccination campaigns. This strategy could help control outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa, where meningitis epidemics occur nearly every year.
A study published in Pediatrics found that post-surgical pectus patients experience significant improvements in both emotional and physical well-being. Patients reported greater confidence, reduced irritability, and increased ability to exercise after correction of the chest wall deformity.
A study by Tufts University researchers found that US-born black adults are more likely to have asthma, with 30% diagnosed compared to 11% of those born outside the US. The study also found higher asthma rates among children born in the US.